Jiu Jitsu has good future in UAE, says Carlos
Three-time World Jiu Jitsu champion Carlos Santos of Brazil feels the sport has a good future in the UAE and the Arab region.
"In Brazil Jiu Jitsu is third behind football and volleyball in popularity and with international competitions coming to the UAE this form of martial art is bound to get a major boost," said Carlos, who organised the the UAE's first international Jiu Jitsu championship last year.
The Brazilian fighter, who is an instructor with the Abu Dhabi Combat Club in the capital, was world champion in 1996, 1998 and 2000, and also won the European Championship last year.
"Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is very popular and has been practiced here in the UAE for over five years. But due to lack of competition many were losing interest. But since last year's Emirates International event many are getting back to the mat," he said.
"The sport is gaining popularity and apart from good strength one needs good technique as well as a clear mind," the champion said.
While Carlos has been with the Abu Dhabi Combat Club for over three years now quite a few other Brazilian professionals have also displayed their skills here.
"The sport will grow even more in the Emirates. We are keen to have a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu federation here in the UAE and later form an Arab Federation. We are also keen to try and organise the World Championship in this part of the world," he added.
Though the sport originated in Japan, the Brazilian style is the most popular form being followed now. The sport classifies its athletes in white,yellow,orange,green, blue, purple, brown, and black colours according to their performance.
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